Miracle Receiver

by Robert Perry

Comments

Most Course students are aware of the term "miracle worker," but few are aware of "miracle receiver." In combination with "miracle worker," this term makes it clear that the miracle is something that passes from a giver (or worker) to a receiver. This stands in contrast to the usual understanding of Course students that the miracle is an internal phenomenon, a healing of perception within our own minds.

Definition

Usually called simply "the receiver." One who receives miracles from a miracle worker. These miracles come from the right-mindedness within the worker and are designed to restore right-mindedness to the receiver. They also give strength, love, spiritual progress, and conviction to the receiver. To maximize reception, the miracle should be expressed in a form that is most helpful, and least fear-producing, for the receiver. See T-2.V.3:2-3.

Passages

The miracle brings love to the receiver

They [miracles] bring more love both to the giver and the receiver. (T-1.I.9:3)

The miracle increases the strength of the receiver

They [miracles] simultaneously increase the strength of the giver and supply strength to the receiver. (T-1.I.16:2)

The miracle bumps ahead the receiver's progress

This introduces an interval from which the giver and receiver [of the miracle] both emerge farther along in time than they would otherwise have been. (T-1.II.6:4)

The miracle rests on the recognition of equality between giver and receiver

The miracle substitutes for learning that might have taken thousands of years. It does so by the underlying recognition of perfect equality of giver and receiver on which the miracle rests. (T-1.II.6:7-8)

The giver's conviction sustains the belief of the receiver

The strength of your conviction will then sustain the belief of the miracle receiver. Fantasies become totally unnecessary as the wholly satisfying nature of reality becomes apparent to both giver and receiver. (T-1.VII.3:10-11)

The miracle should be expressed in the most helpful form for the receiver

In fact, if it [the Atonement] is used truly, it will inevitably be expressed [in the form of a miracle] in whatever way is most helpful to the receiver. (T-2.IV.5:2)

The giver needs to be in his right mind, but the receiver need not be

The right-minded neither exalt nor depreciate the mind of the miracle worker or the miracle receiver. However, as a correction, the miracle need not await the right-mindedness of the receiver. (T-2.V.3:2-3)

When a miracle is given, both giver and receiver are atoning

This means that He will backstop whenever human miracles will not suffice for atonement purposes. However, it is perfectly clear that when a person can atone by miracles, both giver and receiver are atoneing. It is better to atone this way because of the mutual benefits involved. (Urtext)

Miracles replenish the receiver

Under Christ-control, Miracles replenish the doer as well as the receiver. (Urtext)

The miracle energizes and strengthens the receiver, inducing peace, and causing him to enter into a state of grace

The miracle, on the other hand, is an energizer. It always strengthens, and never depletes. It does induce peace, and by establishing tranquillity (not relaxation) it enables both giver and receiver to enter into a state of Grace. Here his miracle-mindedness, (not release from tension) is restored. (Urtext)